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With so many diet plans promising to help someone lose the weight and shed excess pounds, it is tough to find the one that actually works.

In order to tackle each of the most popular diets around, U.S. and World Report assembled a panel of 22 experts in heart disease, diabetes, and exercise to review 20 diets. They examined each of the diets and separated them into categories; Best Diets Overall, Best Commercial Diet Plans, Best Weight-Loss Diets, Best Diabetes Diets, and Best Heart-Healthy Diets.

Voted the Best Weight-Loss Diet and Best Commercial Diet Plan was Weight Watchers, which is a program that encourages weight control and the consumption of fruits and vegetables.

The Ornish Diet, which is a low-fat, high in fiber, and vegetarian-focused diet was voted the Best Heart-Healthy Diet. It encourages the mind-body experience through the integration of yoga, meditation, and exercise.

The DASH diet was voted the Best Diabetes Diet and is tied in first place with the Mediterranean Diet for Best Diets Overall.

Some of the worst diets that were examined included the Atkins diet, Glycemic Index Diet, and the Paleo Diet.

Overall, the key to effective weight loss – losing the desired weight and keeping it off – is slow weight loss. The weight was not put on overnight, so it only makes sense to lose the weight over a period of time.

For those who have tried just about every diet out there and have yet to see results, the San Antonio weight lossexperts at HealthNet Laser & Skin work with individuals to formulate personalized diet plans.

Eyelid surgery (“blepharoplasty”) is a procedure designed to correct such problems as upper eye hooding and lower eye puffiness. Some patients opt for this procedure because they are experiencing vision impairment, which requires the excision of fat, muscle, and skin. Others simply want a wider-eyed appearance for cosmetic reasons.

While insurance may cover eyelid surgery if performed to help with obstructed vision, it is typically considered elective and is an out-of-pocket expense for the patient.

But what if you were able to undergo eyelid surgery simply for doing a good job in school? Well, it’s recently been reported that a South Korean University is rewarding students with their choice of plastic surgery. With hospitals taking advantage of this trend, offering good-size discounts for eye and nose operations (“rhinoplasty”), plastic surgery has been a universal interest; Americans are not the only population who desire cosmetic rejuvenation.

Many individuals of Asian descent turn to nose surgery for an upward tilt – a more “Westernized” appearance. And especially popular among young women, “double eyelid surgery” is performed to make their eyes look bigger. Dr. Sherman performs rhinoplasty and eyelid surgery on nearly all ethnicities, including Asian patients in the San Diego area.

More information regarding rhinoplasty and eyelid surgery in the San Diego area as well as Dr. Sherman’s expertise, can be found on his website, www.drsherman.com.

Men and women who suffer from body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) often see themselves in a different light than those around them.

Whenever an individual with BDD looks in the mirror, he/she sees flaws and imperfections that must be corrected in order to be more aesthetically pleasing. Usually, BDD patients turn to cosmetic plastic surgery in order to alter their appearance. Some of the most common procedures that are requested are nose surgery (“rhinoplasty”) and Botox ® injections. Near Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Steven J. Pearlman performs these facial procedures.

Typically, the first thing we see in the mirror is our face, which is why those who suffer from body dysmorphic disorder see imperfections in the facial features first. A slight bump on the nose, asymmetrical nostrils, or a slight curvature in the tip may seem like extreme disfigurations to the individual. In addition, fine lines, wrinkles, and creases may be more bothersome to those with BDD than others. While some patients may undergo a nasal procedure to correct minor unwanted features, there are also those who continue with a second, third, and even fourth procedure. Botox injections may also be overused in some patients; these individuals may not be satisfied unless they have eliminated every line on his/her face. However, as surgeons see these patients become more obsessed with their appearance, they may refer the patients to a mental health professional. Although the patients have undergone several procedures and appear “perfect” to others, he/she may have a skewed perception of him/herself.

If you would like further information regarding rhinoplasty surgery or Botox in New York, you may contact Dr. Pearlman at his office. During a consultation, he can help determine if you are an ideal candidate for this procedure and if you have realistic expectations.

Halloween may have come and gone, but at Del Mar Cosmetic Medical Center in the San Diego area, Dr. Maurice P. Sherman is performing the “Vampire Face Lift.” The latest trend in facial rejuvenation, this method of wrinkle reduction is designed to help soften lines and skin tone, tighten skin, and provide a healthier-looking appearance.

During the procedure, Dr. Sherman takes the patient’s own blood products, using up to 8 ml of the Autologous Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) – the substance that helps fill in lines and wrinkles. Because the PRP is taken from the patient, there is no risk of allergic reaction or infection. Dr. Sherman states, “I am immensely excited by the potential of platelet-rich plasma, with its abundance of stem cells and growth factors, to enhance tissue healing, and now to profoundly affect rejuvenation mechanisms in aging skin and facial cells.” In addition, patients who undergo the “PRP Vampire Facelift,” as Dr. Sherman has termed the procedure, may anticipate no downtime, and minimal bruising and swelling. Results typically last one and a half to two years.

Those interested in this new facial treatment may visit Dr. Sherman’s website to learn more and schedule an appointment at Del Mar Cosmetic Medical Center. A more rejuvenated facial appearance is just a phone call away.

Getting back to your pre-pregnancy body shape can seem like a daunting venture; however, some women are able to bounce back in just a short time span, much like Bethenny Frankel of the reality show Real Housewives of New York. In a recent article, it is said that the TV star and author lost 29 pounds in just three weeks.

Although most moms would like to regain a more slender contour in a short period of time, many are not as lucky as Frankel. When natural means of weight loss and body shaping no longer produce results, you may be in need of a surgical procedure. A combination of breast and body enhancing procedures called a “Mommy Makeover” can help patients rejuvenate their body post-pregnancy. Sagging breasts can be corrected with breast lift surgery and/or breast augmentation surgery; the appearance of a protruding abdomen may be diminished with tummy tuck surgery and/or liposuction. Based on the patient’s anatomy and individual needs, a qualified plastic surgeon can implement a personalized treatment plan.

If you are in the Marin area and would like to learn more regarding tummy tuck surgery and/or liposuction, you may contact Miguel A. Delgado, Jr., M.D., F.A.C.S. Further information regarding body contouring surgeries is available on his website.

Although not often heard of or publicly discussed, men go through the equivalent of menopause over a longer period of time, oftentimes beginning around the age of 30. This is known as “andropause.” The gradual decrease in testosterone, the major male hormone, causes men to go through physical and emotional changes; however, as one article stated, “‘women fall off a cliff’ while ‘men sort of roll down the hill.’” Men typically begin to lose sexual drive and other masculine characteristics and traits at a much slower rate then women who go through menopause.

Along with following a proper diet, exercise plan, getting adequate rest, and managing stress levels, men who experience andropause may wish to inquire about hormone replacement therapy. With the use of bioidentical hormones, a qualified and experienced physician can use this method of treatment in order correct hormone imbalance. At the practice of Dr. Kevin D. Light, patients are thoroughly examined and their medical history is taken into account when creating an appropriate treatment plan. Dr. Light understands that each patient has unique symptoms and hormone balance needs, which is why he customizes each patient’s treatment in order to help them regain a more productive and fulfilling lifestyle.

If you would like further information regarding bioidentical hormones, Dallas’ Dr. Light can be of great assistance. Be sure to visit his website to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Many individuals often feel that their aged facial skin and contour make them appear tired and/or older than they really are. Therefore, in order to correct unwanted signs of aging, many turn to cosmetic plastic surgery to regain a more youthful look. Now, with the advances in medical technology and techniques, facial rejuvenation is simple and gentler on the patient.

At bod:evolve in Denver, plastic surgery professional David R. Broadway, M.D., F.A.C.S. performs SmartLifting ™, a laser-assisted facelift procedure that helps improve the appearance of jowling in the chin and a lax neck area. When compared to traditional facelift surgery, some the benefits of SmartLifting include less surgery time, smaller incisions, faster recovery time, less bruising, and tighter skin. The laser energy stimulates collagen growth, which in turn provides patients with smoother, more refreshed facial skin. In addition, SmartLipo ™ can be combined with this procedure in order to remove stubborn fat cells from the neck region. This can help achieve a more defined jawline.

Men and women who are considering a facial plastic surgery procedure may browse Dr. Broadway’s website to learn more regarding SmartLifting in Denver. An initial consultation allows patients to discuss their desired results and have a personalized treatment plan created to meet their needs.

Every year, many women become pregnant and give birth to bouncing babies; however, while the end product brings much joy, the toll it takes on the mother’s body can be unpleasant for most. Oftentimes, the breasts become enlarged; and when breastfeeding stops, women can lose their volume and begin to sag. In addition, the abdominal muscles stretch and produce an unappealing bulge in the lower abdomen; loose, excess skin is commonly present as well.

In order to correct these characteristics, women opt to undergo a combination of body enhancing procedure in what is called a “Mommy Makeover.” Typically, breast augmentation and/or breast lift surgery, tummy tuck surgery, and liposuction are performed to help women regain their pre-pregnancy body. Although plastic surgery was considered taboo in years past, there are now more women openly discussing their procedures. Some feel that undergoing body enhancing procedures gives them a boost in self-esteem, while others do it to gain an advantage in the workforce. It is also an increasing trend to see mothers in their late 30s to mid-40s undergo the surgeries – many of which have waited until their children are grown and/or in college.

You may learn more regarding these procedures on the website of Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Stuart A. Linder, M.D., F.A.C.S. He performs face, breasts, and body contouring surgeries to help patients achieve their ideal outcome.

For a decade, breast augmentation surgery was the most popular cosmetic plastic surgery procedure to be performed in the United States. Now, according to a new study by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), liposuction has surpassed breast enlargement – liposuction makes up 18.8 percent of plastic surgery procedures, while breast augmentation comes in second with 17 percent.

As the rate of obesity is increasing, there is no wonder why liposuction has become more popular and has surpassed breast augmentation in numbers. Even as individuals attempt to lose weight the natural way – diet and exercise – there are certain areas of the body that do not respond well, if at all. Therefore, to remove stubborn fat deposits, a qualified plastic surgeon can perform liposuction and help patients achieve a more slender body contour. However, liposuction surgery is not a replacement for natural weight loss; this should be combined with a healthy lifestyle in order to maintain optimal results.

In San Diego, board certified plastic surgeon Carol Hollan, M.D., F.A.C.S. performs liposuction and breast augmentation surgery. She has the experience and training to provide patients with their desired outcome through these breast and body enhancing procedures. Further information regarding both surgeries is available on Dr. Hollan’s website.

From New York to Newport Beach, plastic surgery financing is sweeping the nation. Credit-conscious consumers balk at the notion of getting a loan for cosmetic work, but for others, the option to spread the costs of plastic surgery over several months is highly attractive. For one, plastic surgery financing can save you money by allowing you to get multiple procedures during a single visit, rather than coming back periodically whenever you have the cash. But as with all credit instruments, plastic surgery financing can be a double-edged sword. Take note of the following:

Your Credit History Matters

How much you’ll pay in interest for your plastic surgery financing depends on a number of factors, but your credit history is the biggest. If you have a history of delinquencies, low credit-to-debt ratio or a low credit score overall, you may end up with a higher interest rate, a smaller line of credit, and stricter terms.

Healthcare Credit is an Unsecured Loan

Financing breast augmentation, liposuction or other cosmetic surgery procedure will always be an unsecured loan. Why? Simple: the bank can’t repossess a tummy tuck or facelift. Because of the greater risk involved for the lender, unsecured loans will always carry higher interest rates and more stringent terms than secured loans. If you pay on time and don’t default, a secured loan could cost you less if you plan on carrying a balance beyond the interest-free promotional period. But if you default on a secured loan, you lose your collateral (i.e. your home or your car). Choose wisely.

Read the Fine Print

Many nationwide lenders that offer financing for plastic surgery offer zero percent or no interest financing. Make sure you read the fine print first, however. These offers typically require you to pay off the entire balance within a certain period of time, such as six months. If you fail to do so, you are levied an exorbitantly high interest rate – think 20 percent or more—on your balance dating back to the origination of the loan.

Bottom-line: Approach plastic surgery financing much like you’d get a new credit card offer in the mail. Shop around, make sure that the lender is reputable and crunch the numbers for the best and worst case scenarios in order to get a realistic idea of how much your credit will cost you.

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